Splice connectors for hollow structural segments and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

A connector for coupling first and second hollow structural section (HSS) column segments includes a plurality of splice plates including first and second splice plate pairs. Each splice plate pair includes an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of a respective HSS column wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the wall. A plurality of plate fastener openings is defined in each of the splice plates of the first and second pairs. A plurality of fasteners is each configured to be received in a respective aligned series of openings such that the column segments are securely coupled together. Each respective aligned series of openings includes a plate fastener opening defined in one of the exterior splice plates, an opening defined in one of the column walls, and a plate fastener opening defined in one of the interior splice plates.

BACKGROUND

The field of the disclosure relates generally to connectors for column segments, and more particularly, to splice connectors for joining HSS column segments in a building frame.

Many known building structures have a frame that includes a plurality of beams and a plurality of columns. When erecting a taller (e.g., multistory) building, it can be difficult to transport full-length columns to the building site, and it is common to instead transport each column in segments that are ultimately welded together at the building site. However, it can be time consuming and costly to weld column segments together at a building site. Additionally, columns assembled on-site with mechanical connectors must maintain a required level of structural performance, including in implementations in which the column segments are statically loaded in tension. In at least some known structures, a use of mechanical connectors rather than, or in addition to, welding reduces a net cross sectional area of the HSS column segments due the presence of holes to receive fasteners, thereby affecting structural performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a connector for coupling a first hollow structural section (HSS) column segment to a second HSS column segment at an interface between adjoining ends of the HSS column segments is provided. Each of the HSS column segments includes first and second opposing walls and third and fourth opposing walls, the third and fourth opposing walls orthogonal to the first and second opposing walls. A plurality of wall fastener openings is defined in each of the first and second walls of the first and second column segments. The connector includes a plurality of splice plates including a first splice plate pair and a second splice plate pair. The first splice plate pair includes an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the first wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the first wall, and the second splice plate pair includes an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the second wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the second wall. A plurality of plate fastener openings is defined in each of the splice plates of the first and second splice plate pairs. The connector also includes a plurality of fasteners each configured to be received in a respective aligned series of openings such that the first and second column segments are securely coupled together and immobile relative to each other. Each respective aligned series of openings includes one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the exterior splice plates, one of the wall fastener openings, and one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the interior splice plates.

In another aspect, a column for a moment-resisting frame is provided. The column includes a first hollow structural section (HSS) column segment and a second HSS column segment coupled to the first HSS column segment at an interface between adjoining ends of the HSS column segments. Each of the HSS column segments includes first and second opposing walls and third and fourth opposing walls, the third and fourth opposing walls orthogonal to the first and second opposing walls. A plurality of wall fastener openings is defined in each of the first and second walls of the first and second column segments. The column also includes a plurality of splice plates that includes a first splice plate pair and a second splice plate pair. The first splice plate pair includes an interior splice plate coupled against an interior surface of the first wall and an exterior splice plate coupled against an exterior surface of the first wall, and the second splice plate pair includes an interior splice plate coupled against an interior surface of the second wall and an exterior splice plate coupled against an exterior surface of the second wall. A plurality of plate fastener openings is defined in each of the splice plates of the first and second splice plate pairs. The column further includes a plurality of fasteners each received in a respective aligned series of openings such that the first and second column segments are securely coupled together and immobile relative to each other. Each respective aligned series of openings includes one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the exterior splice plates, one of the wall fastener openings, and one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the interior splice plates.

In another aspect, a method of making a connector for coupling a first hollow structural section (HSS) column segment to a second HSS column segment at an interface between adjoining ends of the HSS column segments is provided. Each of the HSS column segments includes first and second opposing walls and third and fourth opposing walls, the third and fourth opposing walls orthogonal to the first and second opposing walls. A plurality of wall fastener openings is defined in each of the first and second walls of the first and second column segments. The method includes forming a plurality of splice plates that includes a first splice plate pair and a second splice plate pair. The first splice plate pair includes an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the first wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the first wall, and the second splice plate pair includes an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the second wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the second wall. The method also includes forming a plurality of plate fastener openings in each of the splice plates. A respective aligned series of openings including one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the exterior splice plates, one of the wall fastener openings, and one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the interior splice plates is configured to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of fasteners, such that the first and second column segments are securely coupled together and immobile relative to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a site at which an exemplary building frame is being erected;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an assembled column, including an exemplary connector, for use in the frame shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the assembled column and connector shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary splice plate for use with the connector shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the connector shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments described herein include connectors for coupling hollow structural section (HSS) column segments into columns, and methods of making the connectors. More specifically, the connectors include pairs of splice plates, and each pair is coupled respectively to the interior and exterior surfaces of a wall of the column segments, across the interface of the adjoining column ends, using fasteners. The connectors facilitate assembling, at the point of use, column segments to form moment-resisting structural columns without the need for welding or other techniques. Moreover, the connectors facilitate meeting all structural performance requirements for a statically loaded tension/compression member in a building frame.

The description should enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the connectors, and the description describes several embodiments of the connectors, including what is presently believed to be the best modes of making and using the splice plate connectors. Exemplary connectors are described herein as being used to couple together support members in a building frame. However, it is contemplated that the connectors have general application to a broad range of systems in a variety of fields other than frames of buildings.

Unless otherwise indicated, approximating language, such as “generally,” “substantially,” and “about,” as used herein indicates that the term so modified may apply to only an approximate degree, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, rather than to an absolute or perfect degree. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be identified. Such ranges may be combined and/or interchanged, and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, for example, a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a “first” or lower-numbered item or a “third” or higher-numbered item.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a site 100 at which an exemplary building frame 102 is being erected. In the exemplary embodiment, building frame 102 is a moment-resisting frame (e.g., a special moment frame or an intermediate moment frame) that includes a plurality of columns 104 and a plurality of beams 106. In some embodiments, columns 104 and beams 106 are made of structural steel. In other embodiments, columns 104 and beams 106 may be made of any suitable material that facilitates enabling frame 102 to function as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, at least one column 104 of frame 102 has a first column segment 108 and a second column segment 110 that are coupled together by a connector 112. More specifically, first column segment 108 has a first end 114 and a second end 116, and second column segment 110 has a first end 118 and a second end 120. Connector 112 is coupled to first end 114 of first column segment 108 and second end 120 of second column segment 110, such that at least one column 104 of frame 102 is assembled on site by coupling its associated first column segment 108 to its associated second column segment 110 at first end 114 and second end 120, respectively, using connector 112. Although first column segment 108 is illustrated as being coupled to a foundation 122 in the exemplary embodiment, first column segment 108 may not be coupled to foundation 122 in other embodiments (i.e., first column segment 108 may have any suitable position within frame 102, including a position that is elevated above foundation 122). Moreover, although second column segment 110 is illustrated as being lifted onto first column segment 108 using a crane 124 in the exemplary embodiment, second column segment 110 may be positioned with respect to first column segment 108 using any suitable method.

FIG. 2 is front view of an assembled column 104, designated as column 200, for use in frame 102 (shown in FIG. 1), including an exemplary connector 112 (shown in FIG. 1), designated as connector 206. FIG. 3 is a bottom sectional view of assembled column 200 and connector 206. FIG. 4 is a front view of an exemplary splice plate 226 for use in connector 206.

Column 200 includes a first column segment 202, a second column segment 204, and connector 206 coupling the adjacent ends of first column segment 202 to second column segment 204, as described above. In the exemplary embodiment, each of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204 is a hollow structural section (HSS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, first column segment 202 and/or second column segment 204 may be any suitable tubular column segment (e.g., at least one of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204 may not be a hollow structural section (HSS)). Moreover, in other embodiments, HSS column segments 202 and 204 may not be column segments, but may instead be another suitable type of tubular support member that is coupleable using connector 206 as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, connector 206 is a moment-resisting connector and includes a first splice plate pair 208 and a second splice plate pair 210. First splice plate pair 208 is configured to be coupled to a first wall 216 of each of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204, such that each splice plate 226 of first splice plate pair 208 extends across an interface 224 between the adjoining ends of column segments 202 and 204. Second splice plate pair 210 is configured to be coupled to an opposite second wall 218 of each of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204, such that each splice plate 226 of second splice plate pair 210 extends across interface 224. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, second walls 218 are opposite and substantially parallel to first walls 216. In alternative embodiments, first splice plate pair 208 and second splice plate pair 210 extend across interface 224 in any suitable position on column segments 202 and 204 that enables connector 206 to function as described herein.

First splice plate pair 208 and second splice plate pair 210 each include an interior splice plate 226 positioned within an interior cavity 201 of each HSS column segment 202 and 204 against an interior surface of respective wall 216 and 218, and an exterior splice plate 226 positioned against an exterior surface of respective wall 216 and 218. Thus, interior splice plate 226 and exterior splice plate 226 of first splice plate pair 208 are positioned on opposing interior and exterior surfaces of first wall 216, and interior splice plate 226 and exterior splice plate 226 of second splice plate pair 210 are positioned on opposing interior and exterior surfaces of second wall 218. In the exemplary embodiment, each splice plate 226 is substantially rectangular in shape, and interior splice plates 226 are dimensioned to be received between opposing third and fourth walls 220 and 222 of each column segment 202 and 204. In alternative embodiments, each splice plate 226 has any suitable shape that enables connector 206 to function as described herein. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, splice plates 226 of connector 206 are substantially identical in size, such that splice plates 226 can be more economically produced. In alternative embodiments, at least one splice plate 226 of connector 206 is not substantially identical in size to another splice plate 226 of connector 206.

Each splice plate 226 defines a plurality of fastener openings 230 configured to align with a corresponding one of a plurality of HSS column segment fastener openings 232 defined in walls 216 and 218 of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204. In the exemplary embodiment, connector 206 includes a plurality of fasteners 234 each configured to be received in a corresponding aligned series of openings including opening 230 defined in exterior splice plate 226, opening 232 defined in column segment 202 or 204, and opening 230 defined in interior splice plate 226. Fasteners 234 are configured to couple interior splice plates 226 securely against the interior surface of wall 216 or 218, and to couple exterior splice plates 226 securely against the exterior surface of wall 216 or 218, thereby securely coupling HSS column segments 202 and 204 together such that HSS column segments 202 and 204 are immobile relative to each other. In some embodiments, no welding is required to complete the secure coupling of column 200 at connector 206.

In the exemplary embodiment, fasteners 234 are expansion bolts. For example, each fastener 234 includes a bolt 236, a nut 238, and a bolt anchor 240. Bolt 236 includes a threaded portion 244 and a head 242. Nut 238 is threaded to be received by threaded portion 244 of bolt 236. Bolt anchor 240 is configured to be positioned over threaded portion 244 of bolt 236 and to expand outward as nut 238 is received by threaded portion 244 to facilitate securing the corresponding splice plate 226 to HSS column segments 202 and 204. In alternative embodiments, plurality of fasteners 234 may include at least one bolt 236 that an American Society for Test and Materials (ASTM) A325 or an ASTM A490 bolt. In further alternative embodiments, fasteners 234 include any suitable fastener that enables connector 206 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, plate fastener openings 230 of splice plates 226 of first splice plate pair 208 and second splice plate pair 210 are positioned in a substantially identical row and column arrangement. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, each splice plate 226 is coupled to the respective wall 216 and 218 of column segments 202 and 204 by twelve fasteners 234, that is, six fasteners 234 coupled to column segment 202 above interface 224, and six fasteners 234 coupled to column segment 204 below interface 224. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, fasteners 234 on each splice plate 226 are arranged in two columns of six rows. In alternative embodiments, each splice plate 226 is coupled to the respective wall 216 and 218 of column segments 202 and 204 using any suitable number of fasteners 234 arranged in any suitable pattern on each splice plate 226 that enables connector 206 to function as described herein.

In some embodiments, a number and type of fasteners 234 to be used for each splice plate pair 208 and 210 is selected based on a maximum double shear force to be borne by fasteners 234. In alternative embodiments, a number and type of fasteners 234 to be used for each splice plate pair 208 and 210 is selected in any suitable fashion that enables connector 206 to function as described herein. In certain embodiments, a row and column arrangement of fasteners 234 on each splice plate 226 is selected based on certain structural performance criteria, including at least a maximum width of splice plates 226 (i.e., a width of the flat portion of the interior surface of first and second walls 216 and 218 that extends between opposing third and fourth walls 220 and 222 in interior cavity 201 of each HSS column segment 202 and 204), a minimum spacing between fasteners 234 (such as, for example, three times a nominal diameter of bolts 236), and a minimum spacing of fasteners 234 from any edge of splice plate 226. Additionally or alternatively, the row and column arrangement of fasteners 234 on each splice plate 226 is selected based on an effect of each row of fastener openings 232 defined in walls 216 and 218 on a net section rupture strength of the corresponding cross-section of column segments 202 and 204 in which one of the rows is defined. Moreover, in some such embodiments, selection of the row and column arrangement of fasteners 234 on each splice plate 226 based on a net section rupture strength of the corresponding cross-section of column segments 202 and 204 also satisfies other structural performance criteria associated with connector 206, such as block shear failure (e.g., where a failure path occurs in shear along two columns of fasteners 234 and in tension across a row of fasteners 234 joining the columns) of column segments 202 and 204 and of splice plate 226. In at least some embodiments, no welding among the elements of connector 206, or of the elements of connector 206 to column 200, is required to meet the structural performance requirements of column 200 at connector 206.

Additionally or alternatively, the row and column arrangement of fasteners 234 on each splice plate 226 is selected based on an effect of each row of fastener openings 230 defined in splice plate 226 on a net section rupture strength of the corresponding cross-section of splice plate 226, although in some such embodiments, a thickness of splice plate 226 is selected to increase net section rupture strength of the corresponding cross-section of splice plate 226.

For example, in the exemplary embodiment, column 200 is a statically loaded tension/compression member in frame 102 (shown in FIG. 1). A required tensile strength of column 200 at connector 206 is 374,700 pounds. Column segments 202 and 204 are formed from ASTM A500 Grade C steel, and have 10-inch-by-10-inch cross sections and 5/16-inch wall thicknesses, with a workable flat area of 8.625 inches along the interior surface of each of walls 216 and 218. Splice plate 226 is to be formed from ASTM A709 Gr. HPS 70W Corrosion Resistant High-Strength Low-Alloy Plate. Fasteners 234 are selected to be expansion bolts, and in particular LHBM20 Hollo-bolts provided by Lindapter®, which have a 0.75 inch diameter and a shear resistance, in double shear under static loading, of 36,780 pounds. Thus, the minimum number of fasteners 234 needed for each splice plate pair 208 and 210 is (374,700/36,780) or 10.19. In the exemplary embodiment, the next highest even number, twelve, of fasteners 234 is selected to enable the same number of fasteners 234 to be positioned on column segment 202 above interface 224, and on column segment 204 below interface 224.

In the exemplary embodiment, a minimum spacing between fasteners 234 is selected to be 2.75 inches, a minimum spacing of fasteners 234 from any edge of splice plate 226 is selected to be 1.3125 inches, and a diameter of fastener openings 230 and 232 is selected to be 1.3125 inches, as per manufacturer recommendations for the selected fasteners 234 in this embodiment. Thus, a number of fasteners 234 that can fit in each row is three. Thus, in embodiments having lower load requirements, the twelve fasteners 234 for each splice plate pair 208 and 210 are arranged in four rows of three fasteners 234 each, with two of the four rows positioned on column segment 202 above interface 224, and two of the four rows positioned on column segment 204 below interface 224. However, in the exemplary embodiment, the diameters of three fastener openings 232 together in such a row reduce a tension bearing area of walls 216 and 218 between fastener openings 232 such that a block shear rupture strength of column segments 202 and 204 is not satisfied. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, the twelve fasteners 234 for each splice plate pair 208 and 210 are arranged in six rows of two fasteners 234 each, with three of the six rows positioned on column segment 202 above interface 224, and three of the six rows positioned on column segment 204 below interface 224, as shown in FIG. 2.

In the exemplary embodiment, a minimum thickness of each of the four splice plates 226 is selected to meet a recommended outer ply thickness of 0.3125 inches per manufacturer recommendations for the selected fasteners 234 in this embodiment, which meets all structural performance criteria for splice plates 226.

In some embodiments, such as but not limited to embodiments involving relatively heavily statically loaded tension/compression members, the clearance diameter of fastener openings 230 and 232 required for fasteners 234 implemented as expansion bolts reduces a cross sectional load bearing area of walls 216 and 218 and/or splice plates 226 such that structural performance requirements are more difficult to satisfy. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, fastener openings 230 of interior splice plates 226 and fastener openings 232 of column segments 202 and 204 are threaded, on a single cooperating thread path for each aligned pair of openings 230 and 232, to threadably receive fasteners 234 implemented simply as threaded bolts, rather than as expansion bolts. In such embodiments, a diameter of fastener openings 230 and 232 is reduced as compared to the diameter needed to accommodate expansion bolts, thereby increasing a cross sectional load bearing area of walls 216 and 218 and/or splice plates 226 in the cross sections containing openings 230 and 232. In alternative embodiments, connector 206 includes any suitable type of fastener 234 and corresponding diameter of fastener openings 230 and 232 that enables connector 206 to function as described herein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of connector 206. With reference also to FIGS. 1-4, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, connector 206 includes first and second splice plate pairs 208 and 210 coupled to respective walls 216 and 218 as described above, and further includes a third splice plate pair 212 and a fourth splice plate pair 214. More specifically, third splice plate pair 212 is configured to be coupled to third wall 220 of each of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204, such that each splice plate 226 of third splice plate pair 212 extends across interface 224, and fourth splice plate pair 210 is configured to be coupled to fourth wall 222 of each of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204, such that each splice plate 226 of fourth splice plate pair 214 extends across interface 224. In the exemplary embodiment, third and fourth walls 220 and 222 are opposite and substantially parallel to each other, and extend between and are substantially orthogonal to first and second walls 216 and 218. In alternative embodiments, third splice plate pair 212 and fourth splice plate pair 214 extend across interface 224 in any suitable position on column segments 202 and 204 that enables connector 206 to function as described herein.

As with first and second splice plate pairs 208 and 210, third splice plate pair 212 and fourth splice plate pair 214 each include an interior splice plate 226 positioned within interior cavity 201 of each HSS column segment 202 and 204 against an interior surface of respective wall 220 and 222, and an exterior splice plate 226 positioned against an exterior surface of respective wall 220 and 222.

Splice plates 226 of splice plate pairs 212 and 214 again include fastener openings 230 configured to align with a corresponding one of a plurality of HSS column segment fastener openings 232 defined in walls 220 and 222 of first column segment 202 and second column segment 204, and plurality of fasteners 234 includes additional fasteners 234 each configured to be received in a corresponding aligned opening 230 defined in exterior splice plate 226, opening 232 defined in wall 220 or 222 of column segment 202 or 204, and opening 230 defined in interior splice plate 226.

In the exemplary embodiment, the number, type, and row/column arrangement of fasteners 234 on each splice plate 226 of splice plate pairs 208, 210, 212, and 214 is selected as described above. However, it should be appreciated that additional flexibility is provided in the ability to distribute fasteners 234 and fastener openings 230 and 232 across four walls 216, 218, 220, and 222 of column segments 202 and 204 and four corresponding splice plate pairs 208, 210, 212, and 214, rather than just two walls 216 and 218 and two splice plate pairs 208 and 210.

In the exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of fasteners 234 on splice plate pair 214 is substantially identical to the arrangement of fasteners 234 on splice plate pair 212. In alternative embodiments, the arrangement of fasteners 234 on splice plate pair 214 is other than substantially identical to the arrangement of fasteners 234 on splice plate pair 212. Moreover, in some embodiments, the arrangement of fasteners 234 on each splice plate pair 212 and 214 is substantially identical to the arrangement of fasteners 234 on splice plate pairs 208 and 210. In alternative embodiments, the arrangement of fasteners 234 on each splice plate pair 212 and 214 is other than substantially identical to the arrangement of fasteners 234 on splice plate pairs 208 and 210.

In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, each splice plate 226 of splice plate pairs 208, 210, 212, and 214 is coupled to the same number of fasteners 234 arranged in the same number of rows and columns. However, a longitudinal position of the rows of fasteners 234 on each splice plate pair 212 and 214 is offset from a longitudinal position of the rows of fasteners 234 on splice plate pairs 208 and 210 by an offset distance 246 that is about half of a longitudinal spacing between adjacent rows, such that each row of fasteners 234 on splice plate pairs 208 and 210 extends through a different cross section of column segments 202 and 204 from each row of fasteners 234 on splice plate pairs 212 and 214. The corresponding fastener openings 232 in column segments 202 and 204 are thus likewise positioned on different cross sections of column segments 202 and 204, resulting in each cross section of column segments 202 and 204 having at most a row of fasteners 234 from only two pairs of splice plates extending therethrough. In alternative embodiments, at least one row of fasteners 234 on each splice plate pair 212 and 214 is not offset from a longitudinal position of one of the rows of fasteners 234 on splice plate pairs 208 and 210.

In the exemplary embodiment, offset 246 increases a cross sectional load bearing area of walls 216, 218, 220, and 222 and/or splice plates 226 at cross sections that include a row of fasteners 234 extending therethrough, as compared to cross sections that, in an absence of offset 246, would include a row of fasteners 234 extending therethrough for all four of the pairs of splice plates. For example, a net section rupture strength of each of column segments 202 and 204 is correspondingly increased. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, interference within interior cavity 201 between bolts 236 of fasteners 234 extending through any orthogonal pair of walls from among walls 216, 218, 220, and 222 is reduced, because fasteners 234 extending through orthogonal walls are offset longitudinally.

In alternative embodiments, each splice plate 226 is coupled to the respective wall 216, 218, 220, and 222 of column segments 202 and 204 using any suitable number of fasteners 234 arranged in any suitable pattern on each splice plate 226 that enables connector 206 to function as described herein.

The above-described embodiments include connectors for coupling hollow structural section (HSS) column segments into columns, and methods of making the connectors. The embodiments provide an advantage over at least some known methods and systems for assembling HSS columns. Specifically, the embodiments facilitate assembling, at the point of use, two column segments to form moment-resisting structural columns without the need for welding or other techniques. Moreover, the embodiments facilitate meeting all structural performance requirements for a statically loaded tension/compression member in a building frame using a mechanical connector. As such, the methods and systems facilitate reducing the time and cost associated with erecting a multistory, moment-resisting frame at a building site. For example, in some embodiments, aligned fastener openings of the interior splice plates and fastener openings of the column segments are threaded on a single cooperating thread path to threadably receive fasteners implemented simply as threaded bolts, rather than as expansion bolts, thus increasing a load-bearing cross-sectional area in cross sections including the fastener openings. For another example, in certain embodiments, the fastener openings on orthogonal sides of the HSS columns are offset from each other, thus increasing a load-bearing cross-sectional area in cross sections including the fastener openings.

Exemplary embodiments of connectors and methods of making the same are described above in detail. The methods and systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the methods and systems may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. For example, the methods and systems described herein may have other applications not limited to practice with frames of buildings, as described herein. Rather, the methods and systems described herein can be implemented and utilized in connection with various other industries.

Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Moreover, references to “one embodiment” in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples, including the best mode, to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector for coupling a first hollow structural section (HSS) column segment to a second HSS column segment at an interface between adjoining ends of the HSS column segments, wherein each of the HSS column segments includes first and second opposing walls and third and fourth opposing walls, the third and fourth opposing walls orthogonal to the first and second opposing walls, and wherein a plurality of wall fastener openings is defined in each of the first and second walls of the first and second column segments, said connector comprising: a plurality of splice plates comprising: a first splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the first wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the first wall; and a second splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the second wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the second wall, wherein a plurality of plate fastener openings is defined in each of said splice plates of said first and second splice plate pairs; and a plurality of fasteners each configured to be received in a respective aligned series of openings such that the first and second column segments are securely coupled together and immobile relative to each other, wherein each respective aligned series of openings comprises one of said plate fastener openings defined in one of said exterior splice plates, one of the wall fastener openings, and one of said plate fastener openings defined in one of said interior splice plates.
 2. The connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said splice plates of said first and second splice plate pairs is configured to extend across the interface when each of said plurality of fasteners is received in said corresponding aligned series of openings.
 3. The connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said plate fastener openings of said splice plates of said first splice plate pair are positioned in a substantially identical row and column arrangement as said plate fastener openings of said second splice plate pair.
 4. The connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of expansion bolts.
 5. The connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said plate fastener opening of said interior splice plate and the wall fastener opening of the aligned series of openings are threaded on a single cooperating thread path, and wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises threaded bolts configured to be threadably received by the single cooperating thread path.
 6. The connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said plurality of splice plates further comprises: a third splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the third wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the third wall; and a fourth splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the fourth wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the fourth wall, wherein said plurality of plate fastener openings is further defined in each of said splice plates of said third and fourth splice plate pairs.
 7. The connector in accordance with claim 6, wherein each said splice plate of said first, second, third, and fourth splice plate pairs comprises an identical number of said plate fastener openings arranged in an identical number of rows and columns, and wherein a longitudinal position of said rows on each said splice plate of said third and fourth splice plate pairs is offset from a longitudinal position of said rows on each said splice plate of said first and second splice plate pairs by an offset distance, said offset distance is about half of a longitudinal spacing between adjacent ones of said rows.
 8. A column for a moment-resisting frame, said column comprising: a first hollow structural section (HSS) column segment; a second HSS column segment coupled to said first HSS column segment at an interface between adjoining ends of said HSS column segments, wherein each of said HSS column segments includes first and second opposing walls and third and fourth opposing walls, said third and fourth opposing walls orthogonal to said first and second opposing walls, and wherein a plurality of wall fastener openings is defined in each of said first and second walls of said first and second column segments; a plurality of splice plates comprising: a first splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate coupled against an interior surface of said first wall and an exterior splice plate coupled against an exterior surface of said first wall; and a second splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate coupled against an interior surface of said second wall and an exterior splice plate coupled against an exterior surface of said second wall, wherein a plurality of plate fastener openings is defined in each of said splice plates of said first and second splice plate pairs; and a plurality of fasteners each received in a respective aligned series of openings such that said first and second column segments are securely coupled together and immobile relative to each other, wherein each said respective aligned series of openings comprises one of said plate fastener openings defined in one of said exterior splice plates, one of said wall fastener openings, and one of said plate fastener openings defined in one of said interior splice plates.
 9. The column in accordance with claim 8, wherein each of said splice plates of said first and second splice plate pairs extends across said interface.
 10. The column in accordance with claim 8, wherein said plate fastener openings of said splice plates of said first splice plate pair are positioned in a substantially identical row and column arrangement as said plate fastener openings of said second splice plate pair.
 11. The column in accordance with claim 8, wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of expansion bolts.
 12. The column in accordance with claim 8, wherein said plate fastener opening of said interior splice plate and said wall fastener opening of said aligned series of openings are threaded on a single cooperating thread path, and wherein said plurality of fasteners comprises threaded bolts configured to be threadably received by said single cooperating thread path.
 13. The column in accordance with claim 8, wherein said plurality of splice plates further comprises: a third splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate coupled against an interior surface of said third wall and an exterior splice plate coupled against an exterior surface of said third wall; and a fourth splice plate pair comprising an interior splice plate coupled against an interior surface of said fourth wall and an exterior splice plate coupled against an exterior surface of said fourth wall, wherein said plurality of plate fastener openings is further defined in each of said splice plates of said third and fourth splice plate pairs.
 14. The column in accordance with claim 13, wherein each said splice plate of said first, second, third, and fourth splice plate pairs comprises an identical number of said plate fastener openings arranged in an identical number of rows and columns, and wherein a longitudinal position of said rows on each said splice plate of said third and fourth splice plate pairs is offset from a longitudinal position of said rows on each said splice plate of said first and second splice plate pairs by an offset distance, said offset distance is about half of a longitudinal spacing between adjacent ones of said rows.
 15. A method of making a connector for coupling a first hollow structural section (HSS) column segment to a second HSS column segment at an interface between adjoining ends of the HSS column segments, wherein each of the HSS column segments includes first and second opposing walls and third and fourth opposing walls, the third and fourth opposing walls orthogonal to the first and second opposing walls, and wherein a plurality of wall fastener openings is defined in each of the first and second walls of the first and second column segments, said method comprising: forming a plurality of splice plates, wherein the plurality of splice plates includes: a first splice plate pair including an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the first wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the first wall; and a second splice plate pair including an interior splice plate configured to couple against an interior surface of the second wall and an exterior splice plate configured to couple against an exterior surface of the second wall; and forming a plurality of plate fastener openings in each of the splice plates, wherein a respective aligned series of openings including one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the exterior splice plates, one of the wall fastener openings, and one of the plate fastener openings defined in one of the interior splice plates is configured to receive a corresponding one of a plurality of fasteners, such that the first and second column segments are securely coupled together and immobile relative to each other.
 16. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said forming the plurality of splice plates comprises sizing the splice plates of the first and second splice plate pairs to extend across the interface when each respective series of openings is aligned to receive the corresponding one of the plurality of fasteners.
 17. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said forming the plurality of plate fastener openings in each of the splice plates comprises forming a diameter of the plate fastener openings to receive the fasteners that include expansion bolts.
 18. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said forming the plurality of plate fastener openings in each of the splice plates comprises positioning the plate fastener openings of the splice plates of the first splice plate pair in a substantially identical row and column arrangement as the plate fastener openings of the second splice plate pair.
 19. The method in accordance with claim 15, wherein said forming the plurality of plate fastener openings in each of the splice plates comprises positioning the plate fastener openings on each splice plate in a row and column arrangement based on a width of a flat portion of the interior surfaces of the first and second walls, a minimum spacing between the plate fastener openings, and a minimum spacing of the plate fastener openings from any edge of the splice plate.
 20. The method in accordance with claim 19, wherein said positioning the plate fastener openings on each splice plate in the row and column arrangement further comprises positioning the plate fastener openings based on a net section rupture strength of a corresponding cross-section of the first and second column segments in which one of the rows is defined. 